By DAVID PIKE

In the mid 1970s it appeared that Holden executives were totally unaware of the fact that Ford was serious about capturing a major slice of the Australian family car market. So much so that Holden became quite complacent and went through a bad period.

This attitude of complacency was apparent when the Holden HX was introduced as it had only minimal body changes to the model HJ it replaced. Also to meet new low exhaust emission rules its 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine developed quite a thirst and ran roughly as well as being slightly less powerful than the same engine used in the earlier HJ model. Not a good start for a supposed new model.

Disappointing sales soon caused a change of approach. In October 1977 GMH introduced the HZ Holden and whilst it retained the same body with only another grille change and a raised-centre boot lid, plus thicker rubbing strips down the sides, the major improvement in suspension made it an entirely different car to drive.

The so-called Radial Tuned Suspension (the car even had the letters RTS on the boot lid and dashboard) changed the car from a lurching American-type vehicle to a precise handler in the manner of most European cars. In addition rear disc brakes became standard on GTS and Statesman models and were optional on all other sedans and wagons. In response other local manufacturers were forced into making handling modifications at short notice.

This was the model change that saw the demise of the Belmont name. The base model became the Kingswood. As equipment levels moved up the next model was known as the Kingswood SL which offered higher luxury without a major price hike. Whilst fleet model Kingswoods retained a front bench seat and lacked a radio and clock, the SL was more upmarket than any previous Kingswood, in fact it came close to previous Premiers in its equipment levels.

This car featured fully reclining bucket seats with recessed backs to give more knee room for those in the rear, a centre console with a padded armrest, loop-pile carpet, a push-button radio - standard for the first time in a Kingswood - as well as a tinted band/laminated windscreen. The Premier added automatic transmission, tinted side glass, pinstriping together with the wider rubbing strip, new full-wheel covers and quad headlights. Bumper over-riders were also standard.

The HZ saw the introduction of the Vacationer package in the station wagon. This had bucket seats as standard as well as an electrically demisted rear window and a chrome plated roof rack. To distinguish it `Vacationer' decals were fitted below the `Kingswood SL' badges.

The HZ remained on sale after the launch of the Commodore in November 1978 and still sold in reasonable numbers.